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Pennsylvania has created a comprehensive early childhood system that is grounded in standards framed by research, provides significant public investment (tax dollars), rewards increases in quality, has an external quality assessment system, a career lattice and professional development system, and a governance structure that coordinates the program at the state level but allows for local implementation. Keystone STARS is a quality rating and improvement system that has a positive track record. If your state or country is interested in increasing the quality of care for our youngest citizens, then the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS program is the one to replicate.

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I am an Asst. Prof. of Educ at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. I have dedicated more than thirty years to the field of early childhood as a teacher, director, executive director, and Asst. Prof. My research interests include the value of play, teaching methods and education, and the impact of stress and trauma on the developing brain.

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